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Christians to think that meditation is only the work of the understanding and<br />
memory; when every school-boy can do this, or persons that hate the things<br />
which they think on. So that you see there is more to be done than barely to<br />
remember and think of heaven. As some labors not only stir a hand or a foot,<br />
but exercise the whole body; so doth meditation the whole soul. As the<br />
affections of sinners are set on the world, are turned to idols and fallen from<br />
God as well as their understanding; so must their affections be reduced to<br />
God as well as the understanding; and as their whole soul was filled with sin<br />
before, so the whole must be filled with God now. See David's description of<br />
the blessed man: "His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he<br />
meditate day and night."<br />
This meditation is set and solemn. As there is solemn prayer, when we<br />
set ourselves wholly to that duty; and ejaculatory prayer, when, in the midst<br />
of other business, we send up some short request to God; so also there is<br />
solemn meditation, when we apply ourselves wholly to that work; and<br />
transient meditation, when, in the midst of other business, we have some<br />
good thoughts of God in our minds. And as solemn prayer is either set in a<br />
constant course of duty, or occasional, at an extraordinary season; so also is<br />
meditation. Now, though I would persuade you to that meditation which is<br />
mixed with your common labors, and also that to which special occasions<br />
direct you; yet I would have you likewise make it a constant standing duty,<br />
as you do hearing, praying, and reading the Scriptures; and no more intermix<br />
other matters with it, than you would with prayer, or other stated solemnities.<br />
This meditation is upon thy everlasting rest. I would not have you cast<br />
off your other meditations; but surely, as heaven hath the preeminence in<br />
perfection, it should have it also in our meditation. That which will make us<br />
most happy when we possess it, will make us most joyful when we meditate<br />
upon it. Other meditations are as numerous as there are lines in the scripture,<br />
or creatures in the universe, or particular providences in the government of<br />
the world. But this is a walk to Mount Sion; from the kingdoms of the world<br />
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